Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

It was about 4am when a security guard was approached by two armed men in Zola, Soweto. The two were among a group of 10 men who had come to rob two Absa ATMs in the area.

Soweto police said yesterday the men were interrupted by a speeding car that was just passing by.

"The guard was held up at gunpoint and moved to a street vendor's nearby shack," police spokesman Inspector Kay Makhubela said. "Eight other men appeared with equipment and forced open a roller door."

He said the gang had just started placing the explosives when the car rushed past.

"They all ran away thinking it was the police," he said. "They even left the explosives on the scene.

"The security guard was unharmed and able to call the manager of the company he works for. The manager informed the police."

A case of malicious damage to property is being investigated.

"We appeal to anyone with information to call the nearest police station," Makhubela said.